Steubenville Rapist Released From Juvenile Detention

FILE-In this Sunday, March 17, 2013 file photo shows Ma'Lik Richmond walking towards the victim and her family to apologize after he and co-defendant Trent Mays were found delinquent on rape and other charges in Steubenville, Ohio. Richmond received the state's second-toughest classification from Judge Thomas Lipps, meaning he has to register as a sex offender every six months for 20 years. Brooke Burns, the public defender handling the appeal, said Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013, she couldn’t comment without Richmond’s permission. The appeal was filed last week in Jefferson County in eastern Ohio.. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
Photo: Keith Srakocic

Ma’lik Richmond, one of the two teenagers found guilty (or, technically, “delinquent,” because they are minors) of raping a 16-year-old girl in Steubenville, Ohio, has completed his one-year sentence. “The past sixteen months have been extremely challenging for Ma’lik and his extended family,” said Richmond’s lawyer. “At sixteen years old, Ma’lik and his family endured hardness beyond imagine for any adult yet alone child.” The victim’s lawyer criticized the statement for not mentioning his client: “Although everyone hopes convicted criminals are rehabilitated, it is disheartening that this convicted rapist’s press release does not make a single reference to the victim and her family … Rape is about victims, not defendants.” Meanwhile, four adults have been charged with attempting to cover up thecrime.